Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
14:43
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Pregnancy Experiences of Women With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Lauren D Smith1, Aishwarya Khanna1, Susan L Parish1
1Lauren D. Smith and Aishwarya Khanna, Brandeis University, Susan L. Parish, Mercy College, and Monika Mitra, Brandeis University.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
|March 26, 2025
Summary
Women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face increased risks during pregnancy. Improving care requires better clinician training and accessible programs to support maternal and infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Maternal Health
- Disability Studies
- Public Health
Background:
- Women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are increasingly living in the community and giving birth.
- They face higher risks for adverse maternal and infant outcomes.
- Understanding their pregnancy care experiences is crucial for improving health equity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the pregnancy care experiences of women with IDD in the United States.
- To identify factors impacting their perinatal health.
- To center the voices of women with IDD in research.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
- 16 mothers with IDD from the United States participated.
- Content analysis was used to analyze interview data.
Main Results:
- Perinatal care, social, economic, psychosocial, and environmental factors significantly impacted pregnancy experiences.
- Experiences varied, with some participants reporting exceptional care.
- Key themes highlight the need for tailored support systems.
Conclusions:
- Findings underscore the need for improved pregnancy care for women with IDD.
- Enhanced clinician training is essential to address specific needs.
- Development of accessible programs and services is critical for better maternal and infant outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
02:07Oogenesis
63.3K
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
63.3K
01:07Teratogenicity
2.3K
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
2.3K
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
833
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
833
01:29Environmental Influences on Intelligence
152
Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children...
152
01:29Intellectual Disability
33
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
33
01:25Learning Disabilities
76
Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
76